Use of Traditional Medicines to Fight COVID-19 during the South African Nationwide Lockdown: A Prevalence Study among University Students and Academic Staff

Abstract

Introduction: The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has caused major public respiratory illness worldwide. To date, no specific treatment for COVID-19 has proven effective, thus leading people to rely on diverse measures including the use of traditional medicines. Aim: The study aimed at determining the prevalence of traditional medicine use amongst university staff and students, and to examine the association of traditional medicine use with mental status and health parameters. Methods: A quantitative descriptive cross-sectional design research method was used in this study. The targeted population was the university staff members and students in one rural-based university. Results: A total of 400 individuals in rural-based university responded to the online survey; approximately more than three quarters were students 313 (78.3%) and single (86%). The ages of participants ranged from 17 to 66 years, with a median age of 22 years. The prevalence of the use of traditional medicines to respond to COVID-19 was 30.4%. A significantly higher proportion of use of traditional medicines was by participants with mental health impacts (62% vs. 37%), those who postponed medical appointments (48% vs. 22%) and those who failed to buy prescribed medications (36% vs. 14%). Conclusion: A considerable proportion of university staff members and students were found to be using traditional medicines in responding to COVID-19 during the South African nationwide lockdown. Policymakers and researchers are recommended to look more into the health benefits of traditional medicines, including clinical trials, to establish medicinal safety and efficacy.